Wednesday 8 May 2013 13.38 EDT
First published on Wednesday 8 May 2013 13.38 EDT

British fans of the Eurovision Song Contest are used to hearing tongue-in-cheek commentary while watching the annual event, but in 2013 they'll also be able to browse the lyrics for each song as it's performed.

This year's contest has spawned an official app, released for iPhone and for Android, which is designed to offer second-screen features while the event airs on television.

"As you watch the spectacle unfold on your TV set, the app will provide you with the artist's background information, the lyrics of the song, information about each participating country and, of course, the results," explains its app store listing.

The app is also providing news, national selection results, interviews and videos in the run-up to Eurovision 2013, which takes place in Sweden on 14-16 May. The app is free to download and use, although due to its global release, it does not include the ability to vote.

Eurovision is just the latest major TV event to get a second-screen app. Talent shows including X Factor, The Voice and Britain's Got Talent all have their own official apps, but the phenomenon also extends to drama series like Da Vinci's Demons and sports events like The Grand National and MotoGP.

Meanwhile, companies including Shazam and Zeebox are working with broadcasters to provide second-screen content within their more-general apps, to be accessed while people watch live.